Having seen a few trailers a few months ago I decided to venture out to see “The Lobster”. I was intrigued, I like Colin Farrell and I live in Maine so it seemed only right!
Many may remember Farrell from his turn in TV’s “True Detective” but my favorite role of his is as a killer in the terrific film “In Bruges” with Brendan Gleeson. Check it out when you can.
The film is set in England in a place referred to as “The Hotel”. Farrell shows up for his interview with his dog at his side. You know early on that you are in for a weird experience, something I generally like. Those who are brought to “The Hotel” are generally lonely souls who have either gone through a breakup or are single and just plain lonely. They are given 45 days to find a suitable match among the other residents. Failing to do so, are you ready for this?…..they turn you into the animal of your choice. During David’s (Farrell) interview he chooses a lobster for well thought out reasons. The dialogue throughout is clipped and deadpan and often hysterical. There were only a few people in the theater and most seemed afraid to laugh due to the lunacy of the conversations. I had no problem.
The cast is excellent with the likes of the wonderful John C. Reilly, Rachel Weisz and Lea Sedoux (“Spectre”).
Farrell is superb as the understated recently divorced or separated architect. His search for a partner is fun to experience and crazy as one can imagine.
There is no need to expose any more information on the bizarre happenings in this film. Suffice to say, I found it very original and surprisingly entertaining. It does contain a fair amount of violence which can be a bit uncomfortable but if you can get through the first 15 minutes you are in for a unique cinema visit.
I have to say that it is not for everyone. If weird bothers you stay home. Director and co writer Yorgos Lanthimos explores the meaning and complications of relationships the likes of which we will not see again. So, if you could come back as a animal, what would it be?
